Arthur E. Niesley, 94, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2025, at St Anne’s Retirement Community, Columbia, PA. He was born in Carlisle, son of the late Cyrus G. and Anna M. Cockley Niesley. He grew up on the family farm outside of Churchtown PA. He attended Messiah Academy in Grantham, PA. After a short time as a self-employed dairy farmer, Arthur spent the next four decades with the Christian Light Bookstores starting as a bookkeeper at the Elizabethtown store. He then went on to manage multiple store locations, first the Elizabethtown store then the Nappanee, Indiana store and concluding his career as the manager at the York location, until his retirement in 1995.
A member of Manor Church, Arthur was a member of Brethren in Christ Churches throughout his life. Arthur expressed his faith through his active involvement in church activities. He frequently served as a worship leader and participated in quartets and choirs.
He sang with the Grantham Oratorio Society, where he met his beloved wife, Janet. In December 2024 they celebrated 72 years of marriage.
Arthur loved books and reading which made working in a bookstore a natural fit. He loved outdoor activities. After his retirement he was an avid cyclist, especially on the Heritage Trail in York, where he lived from 1975 until he and Janet moved to St. Anne’s Retirement Community, in 2017.
Arthur's kind and welcoming personality endeared him to so many who met him. He cherished the opportunity to meet new people and share his faith and joy with others.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Janet Niesley; sons: Alan (Diane) Niesley and Duane (Cindy) Niesley; daughter: Sharon (Steve) Barton; sister: Ruth Zercher; five grandchildren: Nathan (Alice), Faith (Luc) Gischler, Serena, Josiah, Joanna (Jason) Smith and five great-grandchildren: Emma, Noémie, Benjamin, Lanie and Cohen. He was preceded in death by his infant son Brian. Sister: Helen Martin and Brothers: John and Marlin Niesley.
The family wants to give special thanks to St. Anne’s Retirement Community staff and the Hospice and Community Care staff, for their outstanding care of Arthur, during his last days.
The Memorial Service will be held at Manor Church, 530 Central Manor Rd, Lancaster PA, on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a meal following. The Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Memorial gifts in honor of Arthur’s life can be mailed to: St Anne’s Retirement Community Giving Office, 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia PA 17512. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.
Arthur will be deeply missed.